I love country music. 

I probably always will. 

There is just something about country music that makes it so relatable. Since my freshman year, I have grown to be a fan of many singers, including—but not limited to—Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, and Luke Combs.   

A few weeks ago, Luke Combs released his sophomore album, What You See Is What You Get. Knowing how much I loved his previous album and singles, I had the greatest of expectations for this highly anticipated album, and Combs did not fail to amaze me. 

The opening track, “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” has been a top-of-the-list type of song for most of the summer. Its catchy beat and lyrics make it a perfect singalong and a solid opener to the album. Despite the cliche, country feel to this song, the lyrics prove that there is more to the song than what one might initially observe. Through the lyrics, listeners can see that Combs is commenting on his internal struggles, though masked by the stereotypical country theme. 

Following the opener is “Refrigerator Door,” a song about Combs’ memories from when he was younger and growing up. The slow, methodical melody is able to captivate listeners and take them back to a time in their own childhood with similar memories.

A few tracks later, Luke Combs blesses us with “Moon Over Mexico.” This typical, country love song is delivered in an atypical way. Combs uses the slow, graceful beat to reminisce about his time spent with a lover on the beaches of Mexico. The soft, delicate rhythm of the song combined with the intriguing story of the lyrics create a poetic masterpiece of music. 

From the first five tracks, it is clear to listeners that Combs is capable more than only upbeat, pop-country songs such as his previous hits, “When It Rains, It Pours,” “Hurricane,” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart.” While still keeping this pop-country, upbeat background, Combs is able to expand off of this and prove to listeners that what they’ve seen of him is only the beginning. 

Returning to the heart of his fanbase, “1, 2 Many” mesmerizes listeners, standing as one of the best—and catchiest—songs on the album. The initial beat and music from the moment that the track begins gives life to this radio-worthy, summer-feeling single. 

While the entirety of the album is some of the best that Luke Combs has to offer, some other honorable mentions include “Blue Collar Boys,” “Every Little Bit Helps,” “All Over Again,” and “Nothing Like You.”

“Nothing Like You” highlights Combs’ raw vocals and delivers a different sound than what fans have come to expect from him. As he reflects on his longing for someone, he tells the story flawlessly. 

While each of the songs deserves a paragraph of praise, the album as a whole is much stronger than the individuals. The sum of the separate songs creates a story of youth, love, laughter, light, darkness, and struggle. 

This album serves as a representation of Combs’ growth as a person and as a musician. What You See Is What You Get proves that Combs has what it takes to succeed in the ever-competitive world of music. 

Recently, a lot of country singers have made the subtle or more extreme movement from their country roots to more of a pop style, but Luke Combs has never faltered in his commitment to country music. 

Through the continuation of a country backbone mixed in with new experimental melodies, What You See Is What You Get is a gem of an album that proves that Luke Combs is here to stay.